tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82552697216577890722024-02-07T03:28:29.784+00:00Return of the Son of Tim's BlogTim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-87970288051323568832016-06-23T21:17:00.000+01:002016-06-23T21:17:21.267+01:00Hosteller DecalsGot the decals on today. I was really nervous about doing it but they went on fairly easily. I've made a bit of a pigs ear of the lacquer coat over the top, too heavy handed again, but rescuable I think.<br />
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<br />Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-75273019091389411082016-06-19T12:18:00.001+01:002016-06-19T12:18:21.066+01:00FinishedI didn't get to Eroica after all, it seemed best to leave it given my health at the moment. Maybe next year.<br />
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Anyway, the Ian Steel is pretty much finished.<br />
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At some point I need to swap the cranks and bottom bracket, I need a longer bottom bracket axle to fit the original. The front wheel bearings are a bit rough as well, I could do with stripping and re-greasing them. </div>
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Then I need to decide whether to leave it as it is or trying to get it back to the original spec.</div>
<br />Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-48447294524976531452016-06-15T09:53:00.001+01:002016-06-15T09:53:18.008+01:00Nearly ThereJust handlebar tape to do. At some point I'll have to get a longer cottered bottom bracket axle and swap out the cranks. Due to my health I won't be able to ride at the weekend Eroica, but hopefully we'll go for the Saturday and show it off.<br />
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The Hosteller is still waiting on decals.<br />
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<br />Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-42850477318008857462016-06-07T20:37:00.001+01:002016-06-07T20:37:45.075+01:00And MoreHeadset, stem and brakes fitted...<br />
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<br />Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-32544929799297414222016-06-06T08:32:00.001+01:002016-06-06T08:32:49.735+01:00More Ian Steel BuildHeadset sort of added, plus bottom bracket and shifter...<br />
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<br />Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-71756174730664770062016-06-03T11:03:00.001+01:002016-06-03T11:03:23.952+01:00Ian SteelGot my Viking Ian Steel back from Rourke's the other day. Just unpacked it, not done any build up yet, but it looks fantastic.<br />
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<br />Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-13465835608748547502016-05-31T18:58:00.000+01:002016-05-31T18:58:20.890+01:00HostellerMy medication is starting to get effective, I can actually sit still without getting short of breath. So I thought I'd get on with the Hosteller. Painting is an ideal job actually as its ten minutes of activity followed by ten minutes rest, just about what I can manage.<br />
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The forks were pretty clean, so, after a final rub down with some 320 grade wet and dry and a whipe with a clean rag & white spirit, I put an immediate acid etch primer coat on. This seemed to go quite well.<br />
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A second coat had it ready for the colour.</div>
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The frame was quite badly pitted and still had some surface rust. I'd given it a good sanding but decided to treat it with a rust treatment. Once this was done it was ready for the primer.</div>
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I'm just using Halfords rattle can paint. Its a bit mixed quality wise, one can was very watery and drippy, I managed to splash wet paint over the frame when shaking the can between sprays. The second can seemed to go on much better. I've got a few coats of the forks and a good first coat on the frame, but need to flatten back and redo the frame with a few more coats.<br />
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<br />Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-88527473281925432472016-05-11T07:20:00.000+01:002016-05-11T07:44:09.136+01:00Spot of Bad NewsBack in January I got ill, an unspcified viral infection that layed mei out for two weeks. And I have never really seemed to get back to full fitness since, but like most blokes never did anything about it. A couple of weeks ago we went to my Mum's, and I was really tired all weekend. I cycled to work on the following Tuesday, struggling into the wind on the way in, the to my dismay, struggling even more on the way home. I finally had to admit something was wrong and planned to call the doctor the next morning. The idea was to drive to work, check my diary and get a suitable time slot in the week. However, Tuesday night I was having real difficulty breathing, I could take in big lung fulls of air but didn't seem to get enough oxygen in. It was quite frightening. Wednesday morning I was feeling a bit better and decided to stick to the plan. But when I got in the car to head to work I was struggling again and decided to go straight to the Doctors. I eventually saw the Practice Nurse who diagnosed a chest infection and prescribed 5 days of antibiotics. These ran out on Sunday morning and I didn't feel much better so went back and saw a different nurse who said the same thing, blood oxygen was good, pressure a bit high but not worryingly so, pulse same, and prescribed a different antibiotic.<br />
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I went home, took the first dose and 45 mins later, threw up. Rang the Doctors who said next day try eating more before taking the tablet. So I spent the day reading until Jayne got in. It was a lovely warm sunny day, although the new tablets said avoid the sun.<br />
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Then early in the evening, I suddenly went very cold and had to get a fleece. As I was putting it on my left hand suddenly clenched itself into a fist and my forearm went numb. Then the left side of my face felt funny. Jayne says that the right side of my face fell. She rang for an ambulance but they were very busy and because we were quite near, she decided to drive me to the hospital.<br />
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By this time I'd got feeling back in my arm and my face was starting to recover. Initial triage said I had a very high and irregular pulse but didn't think I was in any immediate danger. I still couldn't string a sentence together but otherwise coherent.<br />
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Once in the assessment area the doctor did a series of tests, ECG, chest x-ray, CT scan, blood test etc, all of which took hours. The Doctor explained he'd ruled out chest infection, but I had a very worrying ECG, my heart was all over the place. He was also trying to decide whether I'd also had a Stroke or a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA). In the end he decided TIA was more likely.<br />
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So at 3 AM, 9 hours after the initial incident, Jayne went home and I waited for a bed on the Accute Medical Unit. I dozed for a few hours before finally getting a bed at just after 5 PM.<br />
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Next day the AMU medical team came, redid the ECG and went over events again. The upshot is that I have Atrial Fibrillation (AF), which is basically a mismatch of the electrical signal in the heart causing them to misfire and causing the very high pulse and irregular pulse. This causes the shortage of breath feeling as the lungs try to keep up. It also causes little blood clots to form which then enter the blood supply. In my case they think this cause a TIA, or mini-stroke, from which I should fully recover, but still have some loss of feeling in my cheek.<br />
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I've been prescribed beta blockers to keep the heart rate down an Warfarin to help stop blood clots from forming. I've got to go to a blood clinic today, to set the Warfarin dosage and will need regular blood tests to manage it. I've got a referral to the hospital TIA specialist, hopefully they will ring today. And I've got an appointment with the GP tomorrow, partly to discuss sick notes, but mainly to get a referral to a Cardiologist to plan what to do about the AF.<br />
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I'm back home now after a very scary 24 hours. It seemed much longer. Jayne was really good, stayed calm and collected through out, right up to getting home yesterday when she broke down into tears. Its still quite scary, I'm still struggling to breath particularly at night and had a bit of a panic attack last night. We are both exhausted but hopefully we can get some good night's sleep and start to recover.<br />
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The Blackpool Victoria A&E and AMU were fantastic. They were very busy but I always felt I got the attention I needed when I needed it. The A&E doctor was particularly keen we understood what he was doing and why.Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-33519362913061257392016-05-05T18:23:00.001+01:002016-05-05T18:23:58.472+01:00Viking updateI've been off sick today, a chest infection that means I'm struggling to do anything. So I've sat in the garden with a tub of white spirit, tin of Brasso and miscellaneous brushes and rags, cleaning and polishing the remaining bits for the bike.<br />
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The stem is a mess, it was painted red like the rest of the bike, but underneath the paint the chrome is largely gone. The rear brake is not original but ok age wise. The brake levers are quite badly scratched but polished up ok.<br />
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Got some final bits and bobs sat in paint stripper, lamp bracket, stem expander bolt and seat and stem clamp bolts.<br />
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Should be ready to start building as soon as I get the frame back.<br />
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<br />Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-87824516297580408752016-04-24T18:12:00.000+01:002016-04-24T18:12:30.806+01:00Viking ProgressI've spent the afternoon starting to clean up the bits for the Viking. I bid for and won a Simplex gear shifter yesterday, so pretty much got everything I need.<br />
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The frame is ready to spray, just waiting for it to warm up a bit. It just needs a final sanding before the first acid etch primer coat.<br />
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The left hand crank is a bit grotty, the chrome has largely come off. I'll probably just polish it up as best I can. The right crank is not so bad.<br />
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I did spend a lot of time on the front brake caliper, probably about two hours cleaning and polishing. I've filled the GB stamping with red nail varnish. It needs another coat and some careful polishing but I think its looking good.</div>
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One disappointment was, after cleaning them up, both bottom bracket cups are cracked. Fortunately I've got a few spares so not a disaster.<br />
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Rourke's rang the other day saying they were due to start painting the Ian Steel, so hopefully I can start building that in a few weeksTim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-52095714638634365842016-04-19T21:25:00.001+01:002016-04-19T21:25:15.145+01:00TandemsJayne and I have just got back from the Bristol Bespoked bike show. While we were there we ran into Rebecca Olds of velovoice.blogspot.com an had a very nice chat in which she berated me for going on about our tandems but not posting any pictures online. So I am here to remedy this. <br />
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First some pictures of the newest tandem, an Orbit Lightning Spirit.<br />
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Some pictures of the aluminium Lightning we swapped for the Spirit<br />
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The Swallow in its final guise<br />
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As a triple<br />
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And finally in its original guise<br />
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<br />Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-35334178927737098532016-01-24T15:09:00.001+00:002016-01-24T15:09:29.094+00:00ProgressI've been slowly getting on with the Vikings. I've decided I'll have a crack at doing the Hosteller myself, strip it and rattle can spray paint it.<br />
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I've stripped them down<br />
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And I've started stripping the old paint off.</div>
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The guy who had it originally painted it red, but underneath, where he didn't strip it back properly is a gorgeous gold colour which I think I'll try to replicate. Got most of the paint off the main tubes now, just need to do the seat and chain stays and the little bits I've missed. The frame seems pretty solid. There is some surface rust but it seems to be coming off with wet and dry.</div>
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I need an old fashioned bottom bracket fixed cup remover to get this off<br />
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I've entered the Eroica now, so I do need to get one of them finished.</div>
<br />Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-50564079384589256362015-12-19T20:58:00.001+00:002015-12-19T20:58:42.019+00:00A Return & VikingsI've not written anything here for 3 years. Lots has happened in that time and I doubt anyone who used to read will still be about to do so. The reason for starting this up again is to document my latest activity/obsession/insanity. My friend Karl and I decided we'd enter the Eroica Britannia next year. Karl very sensible bought a near mint Billy Bilsland from the late 70's or early 80's with beautiful Campag Record running gear. I, on the other hand, had a bit of a hankering for a Viking. I my youth we couldn't afford bikes, so my friend Dave Thomas and I would scrounge bits off the local council tip and build up beater bikes which we would ride until destroyed, then build another. It was a great (self) education in bike mechanic-ing. <br />
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One day I found a Viking Severn Valley frame. I was probably about 14. I stripped it down to bare metal and my Dad and I (mainly my Dad) did a rather good rattle can respray and I built it up with scavenged bits. I kept the bike until my university days in Manchester where it got stolen 7 or 8 years later. I've always wanted another.<br />
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So I need a bike for the Eroica. I saw a Viking frame, my size on ebay. It wasn't clear what model it was, but it had the right looking lugs and seemed in reasonable condition, although largely repainted by a previous owner. It still had the head badge and a seat tube sticker. I stuck in a bid. In the same week another bike came up on ebay, a Viking Hosteller apparently. Again it had been repainted by the previous owner. It was listed as 19", a bit small for me, but had some original components. I stuck a bid in for that as well, thinking I'd swap the bits over and sell the frame on.<br />
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Well I won both and for £100 had a frame plus a complete bike. When I got the Hosteller home, it turned out to be a 21 1/2" frame not 19", my size. So now I had a dilemma, which do I build up? And what had I actually bought?<br />
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The frame no of the Hosteller puts it as about 1960. The other frame I think is an Ian Steel from 1960 as well. But what its actually made from is still a mystery. Viking at the time seem to have had a catalogue only as a starting point and pretty much built semi-custom to the individual or the bike shop's spec.<br />
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First the "Ian Steel". These were a slightly lower end bike introduced after Ian Steel won the inaugural Tour of Britain. I the late 50's they had frame no's starting with a "S". Mine is S8967. Not sure what tubing, early ones were Reynolds butted 531, probably just reused Severn Valley's or Tour of Britain's, but then later ones were still 531 but not butted. Its definitely post 1959 as it has the "1st Tour of Britain, 51, 55, 58,59" seat tube badge.<br />
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It has what I think are Nervex Pro lugs.</div>
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Because of the repainting I don't have any other decals to go on.</div>
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The Hosteller is H8228, which again would put it at about 1960, but I have no details other than the word of the guy I bought it off and the frame no. Not sure what is original, I'm guessing the wheels and the brakes.</div>
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The gears are Simplex which might be just about but I doubt it, need to do more research.</div>
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The current plan is to get the "Ian Steel" professionally restored, just need to decide on colour, then rebuild it with a mix of the parts off the Hosteller and other bits as needed.</div>
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Still not sure what to do with the Hosteller. Its a nice frame, in my size and with what I think are largely Oskar Egg lugs. I might see if I can strip and respray it myself.</div>
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More pics...</div>
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<br />Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-65498486361826920142012-09-29T10:47:00.001+01:002012-09-29T10:47:21.547+01:00Just got back from week's cycling across Scotland...<br />
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<a href="http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/guestbook/?o=1&doc_id=11338&v=1F">http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/guestbook/?o=1&doc_id=11338&v=1F</a><br />
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<br />Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-6852773977032045822012-08-26T20:24:00.001+01:002012-08-26T20:24:50.013+01:00Holiday week<p>I’ve been off all week, fairly relaxed and not done a lot.</p> <p>Monday we drove out to Condor Green and rode the Millenium and Lune Valley cycle paths out to Caton.  Very nice and relaxed easy day after the previous 83 miles out to Arnside and back at quite a pace.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lmYSwuiECqE/UDp3tevEBMI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/8t6cnRWyUBI/s1600-h/August%252520005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August 005" border="0" alt="August 005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mSUUPRmyrgE/UDp3t_7s6sI/AAAAAAAAAwY/YsDxaNqL5Pk/August%252520005_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="304" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U7VtNpaV6Go/UDp3u4yHdZI/AAAAAAAAAwg/PUelEeYQVz4/s1600-h/August%252520008%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August 008" border="0" alt="August 008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWj1RoBqbL7r3-FHw34wHbg_OQ3h6iHy0_FwcpmzK4ArxoWb-71RypmxNtu-GN3qD2dykrzUd6MNlRrrkSsbuOaOkrCH26XfHVRP8UyB0n5VHg8q5ZoUKrJGkgAbC7HvzFLyCebKbcrc/?imgmax=800" width="396" height="309" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fJMUGqAKaPI/UDp3wX2HntI/AAAAAAAAAww/NfCSBDw1tTM/s1600-h/August%252520009%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August 009" border="0" alt="August 009" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRIsqD7OlCxPCLA1OABYY-jPs8A_lBzGa_J4Pu9KLHDBtXeSLpX4lodgbkcCDOVD64pjgqe0Oe0Tws8blJ6ybydpUesjrgX4yCv6HUA8Qzx-XhuQMtgBMb4izn5k0mNF5N8ANoCpTO44/?imgmax=800" width="251" height="339" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cdYXN16CWPI/UDp3xyh3WpI/AAAAAAAAAxA/94TFp9P25a8/s1600-h/August%252520010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August 010" border="0" alt="August 010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOAswINsjcQ9bZ3pUNA-Du2FDSZGvl_DNGtAUEk74d8moGCa99knMv0htgM95HycwIwITi_kc0nduJm2K8d_8oo7O-_gyEYW_Df6k8tEzBtfqd6Oai0UW11F9Uak5wRugobSsA8qq1qQ/?imgmax=800" width="378" height="291" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VKaKLlIpkx0/UDp33HA7FiI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/j80k7_Zcv6I/s1600-h/August%252520011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August 011" border="0" alt="August 011" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RpUvaFNhEmXIuR6srdCyplOY0IVCnYnUzHHJEbcfl0FkcCIMDbHaAX0aJ3IRvDD1hKTpTnQEM6lXQ0eK5kfVShLZgJ6xriVzbrNMDNhZq-Q7GBx9xecoVKKnN7_-_y2AUE2u_O7WNCE/?imgmax=800" width="395" height="304" /></a></p> <p>Tuesday we went to see Another Place, the Anthony Gormley statues at Crosby.  We’d gone a few weeks ago but went to Formby ratehr than Crosby.  The statues were very impressive, especially the ones in the surf and those buried in the shifting sands.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0U4mNwPs_UbOAtQkGTX2cop735p9iCWPq8yUUIUR9__HEC9mC4JTUHoa7HuUE4_KZ5ld3LmqtKZhAjNvVZbd53ndXtpnP5E3VYW9JhY3xURPmjevSxcfYW92Rl-F6WFMn7n9YVMKi_0Y/s1600-h/August%252520013%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August 013" border="0" alt="August 013" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hia2JL9O41s/UDp36P2dGTI/AAAAAAAAAxo/ulkofRv-dlU/August%252520013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="438" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KGcTWX2QvVQ/UDp37HcEBAI/AAAAAAAAAxw/BPQ2KnwxhYk/s1600-h/August%252520018%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August 018" border="0" alt="August 018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kPHH6W7kaqX9n4UGZa120arrxH9WsxiJIy3MsDqNF-eOYGIiTYq3crWM57IxWxOEXdbY2Hbzd39D_cuRis2YC9gWzjHCH75uoyXVAhIZ2zdwxs3qfHHprKa8Gr4AGK5R9hpcwaUgAog/?imgmax=800" width="382" height="294" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5G1IXu5_98w/UDp381o4y6I/AAAAAAAAAyA/F3jIcLmjq-c/s1600-h/August%252520021%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="August 021" border="0" alt="August 021" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_NyzrVyZoN66dxjHYj0THXO41xRRS0tCExxrjz0kUpYWKEMn0fhLB4fVw0jKwnCbnFGPRI5HT9iygzA6357JLXzb-20dr4pnEhcIuwmKBPm9Sxi_CHa6G_8cmJObVgPfyWdIhxyBqBY/?imgmax=800" width="384" height="295" /></a></p> <p>Wednesday was a bit blowy.  We went up to Silverdale to do a short walk along the coast and inland to Arnside Tower.  We had a nice sandwich and chips in the Silverdale Hotel.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s9PhuLDNGGQ/UDp3_XqdjCI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/K37tqqwnl6o/s1600-h/wheels%252520001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="wheels 001" border="0" alt="wheels 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZFPL-o-HAKTX3t21AoSEgIER8Hj6Cdmb33umNn8A4fbIHq495F9tqjwqUzF0MELuLkrlrdg0XGK4Q0OO19ySBCbDim8pTVxTbGveej9Ed8y7LFesokn-BQiflDQeS5pT07Yyg_ekb14/?imgmax=800" width="372" height="290" /></a></p> <p>Thursday, Friday and Saturday were largely rainy or overcast.  We didn’t do much.  Today we set out for a ride but the rain came down and we cut it short.  We’ve ridden out to the pub this evening btu the weekly mileage is low.</p> <p>I have finalised the details of a tour or the Scottish Borders in a few weeks, 400 miles in six days.  Hopefully the weather will improve!</p> Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-3907753748420803592012-08-14T20:12:00.001+01:002012-08-14T20:12:17.823+01:00Italy Day 6–Passo del Foscagno<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aSLKx0cloXM/UCqiqqeJF4I/AAAAAAAAAuY/Krxxp-7tnTo/s1600-h/Italy-0013.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 001" border="0" alt="Italy 001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1iyDyC07090/UCqisFcPG1I/AAAAAAAAAug/_CwWqhXax4k/Italy-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ayw2G6-p0s4/UCqivGUJfCI/AAAAAAAAAuo/dyykfrXKdgw/s1600-h/Italy-0033.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 003" border="0" alt="Italy 003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFS8KTFDFyXmSWrqaP59jfzV6YEMlOpY-FUR1PNAnJ-C_N_uOprjry9mch8Qn-gZJnq72g_a2LOxqYTaSnziwPqKXAwHGj7qyfiWIrZYYsjURJzAcGuvis1GsrOLjsKzXqg9GItUxH6s/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x9awjCu7M0g/UCqizQwgOGI/AAAAAAAAAu4/G4a13JC_hLQ/s1600-h/Italy-0093.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 009" border="0" alt="Italy 009" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GSCA0ozLH0I/UCqi0kkYryI/AAAAAAAAAvA/GTFbctIb_ig/Italy-009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7RdNI2Sfl1E/UCqi3PFV9UI/AAAAAAAAAvI/_DbgalmIQAI/s1600-h/Italy-0103.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 010" border="0" alt="Italy 010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsQ6VLcwzKQpqLYYy2WNbSnlfxozu2gJYD4NN2gkUfVhjY94sn2-PiY0CjoAm4b05rA298sP8GjRYhXKRFWY6kUVbaQzrCUfv257ts14-riTnuBXATYEe6zUnzUDmWBBDWWrQ6TrW4cI/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s1Vr4OfeaLI/UCqi7wR75uI/AAAAAAAAAvY/QTvRIamInoA/s1600-h/Italy-0253.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 025" border="0" alt="Italy 025" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WtG17VPf42Y/UCqi83QQDvI/AAAAAAAAAvg/wJURt4hkOx0/Italy-025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aouz_LW5vqQ/UCqi_0HrTjI/AAAAAAAAAvo/nh5IFL_tP_E/s1600-h/Italy-0283.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 028" border="0" alt="Italy 028" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zGepLo7j5s4/UCqjDzBNrqI/AAAAAAAAAvw/YvtrMPfI57U/Italy-028_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-46719887219658902812012-08-14T20:08:00.001+01:002012-08-14T20:08:21.590+01:00Italy Day 5–Stelvio South Side<p>Sorry for not posting for a while, life has caught up with me.  Here’s the rest of the Italy trip</p> <p>Thursday was forecast to be bright and sunny but rather cool.  It sounded the ideal weather to attempt the Stevio.  We had decided to just do the south side from Bormio to the top of the pass and back.  Again it is climbing from the outset with little or no respite for 15 miles.</p> <p>It was rather warmer than anticipated and we stopped outside town to shed layers.  The first section is a steady 6-7% with a final few switchbacks to a refuge where we stopped for a coffee</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xCNRzUJwMJ0/UCqh36l3GZI/AAAAAAAAAs4/hWu8__YCVV4/s1600-h/Italy-0114.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 011" border="0" alt="Italy 011" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-veWsNdDQR-M/UCqh5R6JLfI/AAAAAAAAAtA/t5rcV1MAHW4/Italy-011_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="295" /></a></p> <p>There were a more switchbacks before the valley opens out into a high alpine meadow.  The gradient eases and you get a bit of a respite.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HeVJ9pRgl_o/UCqh7MZNRFI/AAAAAAAAAtI/7aNp2kG6f20/s1600-h/Italy-0134.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 013" border="0" alt="Italy 013" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lE2fHNG83a8/UCqh8oFqV2I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/FYMAdPOd03U/Italy-013_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="286" /></a></p> <p>As you approach the Umbrail turn off and the snow line, the road kicks up again with steep pitches and hairpins, the road lined with banked snow.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUVAmHKScFMirkvIaQW3ICmqxrGsslrh4ekDHj9UY3wVgTD1IynJYc3dqG5V0_3WvxT7gu3nI0PG7GfnKB1jss-CrJu4Im3QDsQEsGd2vGw1Rg6v1Xz1OsG_FKF0bJl87L-WVT_yBn1I/s1600-h/Italy-0154.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 015" border="0" alt="Italy 015" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HFMbfxmYlg4/UCqh_25RRbI/AAAAAAAAAtg/1cjtv2tLzPw/Italy-015_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="292" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4V8jVFTB-8M/UCqiBcV6BrI/AAAAAAAAAto/YJ5ghfDPpnA/s1600-h/Italy-0164.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 016" border="0" alt="Italy 016" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FtIZVUt30P4/UCqiCTTNAXI/AAAAAAAAAtw/Z_u1wfWd5TM/Italy-016_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="291" /></a></p> <p>The final 3k took 1/2 an hour.  Although it was cold, the sunlight was intense, glaring off the snow.</p> <p>Finally, after 2 3/4 hrs we got to the top and the Coppi monument.  I was frozen, tired and very short of breath.  At 2758m this is the highest I’ve ridden for 20 years.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq21bRXusDEFiZqc4iUvHPcCUepS1_uBGM9Q4IpirBi5jz0frQ7dosRLWgZpMqaVBWj41g8Oa2nbEv-1TV_hzbPQY6iKXmT_W9OcGUfPzjWMTG0I_E8AP_J1YMjytYFY07YUQa7OhjPwM/s1600-h/Italy-0234.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 023" border="0" alt="Italy 023" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kldR-nIgBeE/UCqiFTGULUI/AAAAAAAAAuA/ijd4tWAXaTY/Italy-023_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="296" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6jzb_MBKGpw/UCqiHZtcR7I/AAAAAAAAAuI/j8gWSkHjan0/s1600-h/Italy-0244.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 024" border="0" alt="Italy 024" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EPmmycoGrjY/UCqiIg3uXeI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/ts6n-zPYT88/Italy-024_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="296" /></a></p> <p>After a quick lunch of pizza, we set off down.  The Stelvio is very popular with motorbikers as well as cyclists and the road was quite busy.  The bigger bikes can’t manoeuvre as easily as a bicycle and I quickly caught and passed a group of Harley’s.  As I stopped for photo’s every now and then, they would pass and I would catch up and re-pass.  In the end I overtook them 4 times before leaving them behind on the lower slopes.  It took 35mins to get down, taking it easy and stopping for photo’s.</p> <p>Not a long day at 31 miles, but hard.</p> <p>Evening meal:</p> <p>Egg tartlet</p> <p>Cuttlefish ragout</p> <p>Beef Goulash</p> <p>Fruit Salad & Ice cream</p> <p>Creme Brule</p> Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-3332287736330746352012-06-17T22:25:00.001+01:002012-06-17T22:25:52.057+01:00Italy Day 4–Mortirolo<p>Wednesday dawned sunny and fairly warm.  We decided to head to the Mortirolo.</p> <p>First was a 20 mile, 800m drop down the valley to town of Grosotto.  It was a very pleasant ride following the old SS38 road, most of the traffic going through the tunnels of the new road. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-81MmH_3utIw/T95KwNdDoLI/AAAAAAAAApA/Uoh-aDqq5lk/s1600-h/Italy-0074.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 007" border="0" alt="Italy 007" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kiWWpYoGHaI/T95KxCCKDtI/AAAAAAAAApI/BZNevc1J-mk/Italy-007_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="304" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZX0rZzNn3Sk/T95Ky4Jzv7I/AAAAAAAAApQ/9bsVyKcH_2M/s1600-h/Italy-0154.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 015" border="0" alt="Italy 015" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JTQWfy2KVCY/T95K1r-DP2I/AAAAAAAAApY/NF09Y7Mac54/Italy-015_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="306" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vcKQuFig8Is/T95K2o5sAFI/AAAAAAAAApg/OBTjXwEXJl8/s1600-h/Italy-0184.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 018" border="0" alt="Italy 018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36NhhqAtMmutKZ08otyBZ3fl2TY1zd-zelTXaaEZ9aCptkt-OLa8KugCvibjdhvvGafkjJkw04r6yJOaxAyE6N_Dt_ObYVYXqci1THJAogi6hs9caSc_gW5L2gTs_dKZo4cGJfkpZVWo/?imgmax=800" width="249" height="336" /></a></p> <p>Eventually we reached the bottom of the climb.  Of the three routes up the Mortirolo, this is the hardest.  It was the route up in this year’s Giro, although I don’t think they went all the way to the top.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMF4sh7Tm0pwhTGF9EvbUBxy37auXsXCTN4WMl64_yzIGfoulhxyP5bY-2DH5sceAUK53jNCThCY4ELkBiP6YLcDqQ5Z99fMWALbGSo6ePdvuXea-62VS_39TSW6eAMFda4PsYpzwGt0s/s1600-h/Italy-0234.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 023" border="0" alt="Italy 023" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M9tNt8OLses/T95K6a9rq0I/AAAAAAAAAp4/1N_sJ3Bcqm4/Italy-023_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="298" /></a></p> <p>In total there are 33 hairpin bends, all conveniently numbered.  Each house or farm on the way up also has its altitude on their name plate so you know exactly where you are, there’s no kidding yourself you’re nearly there.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BQMNdbYjR20/T95K7VwKu3I/AAAAAAAAAqA/XDfHgFM6ByI/s1600-h/Italy-0244.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 024" border="0" alt="Italy 024" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZGWu8ORlZMg/T95K76WSHgI/AAAAAAAAAqI/wcOCNOPaxwk/Italy-024_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="301" /></a></p> <p>Part way up is a tribute to Marco Pantani, apologies for the poor picture, it was taken on the move and my camera was a bit sweaty.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lVhXVopQICs/T95K9LLnhhI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/DhsbOL8dxZY/s1600-h/Italy-0253.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 025" border="0" alt="Italy 025" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJH_YowOM2RwvDazw4AjaU0z0mMT38RMw5V2OOuU83BKmZnrF1RXr60U3wYdIvEeRQ2fzoXWi6fWVeIsDXLIdtr_jg19KxlhhgnTMNYpdG4y4ZQAXAXt4gPurD2B4kKn3gKYHiCrbib3c/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>At this point my average speed had dropped from 5-6mph to 2-3 mph.  Some of the sections were brutally steep, only achievable after the respite of a flattish bend.</p> <p>Eventually, after 1hr 45mins of climbing, I got to the top, in one go, no stopping.  I was knackered.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUHTrY7DKGG5A7JY9UGwZtGeVrurtbG4dagTVDgahs06RTxjTm7nwMLkgyKRBn-UEPLXff6H2dy3CNKmb4AtGCR2UbVT_bF6P9deKZEbFKjJyZAqFv-tU9SWXIDobaxKuvvkf5-t6cxM/s1600-h/Italy-0284.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 028" border="0" alt="Italy 028" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mKPaCUD6y40/T95K_-uvd7I/AAAAAAAAAqo/RnF90v7oOJU/Italy-028_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="304" /></a></p> <p>Ian was next up a few minutes later.  He and the others had stopped to regroup a couple of times, to pick up the slower riders.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKJrLdGDVSQhVoZS5Q-Ceh98oXkSZs2jFhE4ZgzxhCeRZtnsX4AxCciTuruXnkm56YOHKBa5tTSLPCmnCwMSm0luTSvBb4KZnyxYxbOG9aUWvlrF56tBsvq_VitgBPdghpnpNaAkBLUQ/s1600-h/Italy-0333.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 033" border="0" alt="Italy 033" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Dt5pBE0P0wc/T95LBq6hNQI/AAAAAAAAAq4/f6z4DcKkzB8/Italy-033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>followed by Graham and Jemima</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5DKa2sS7yHE/T95LCpDmPQI/AAAAAAAAArA/fT4cG6b8-Lc/s1600-h/Italy-0363.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 036" border="0" alt="Italy 036" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5RoxB1wJF_4/T95LDeW21DI/AAAAAAAAArI/wILT24PMuQ8/Italy-036_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Alison, who got a mexican wave from some Dutch riders,</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifC6XxfLjcEzb72vWp6xAl6QoMvY1YhoO0VevpNFH46iCQtmfd4-xgvqKUiWN77zkp56RystlhCCgBEivdq6CFrSXrWMObvXDgsTyE0AN0Fs0j_BD6NCyEUOPhxvB7jYY1YNe49Zn0_-E/s1600-h/Italy-0373.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 037" border="0" alt="Italy 037" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rp5XbKmJVtk/T95LFSTe8GI/AAAAAAAAArY/pB3L0K_r95U/Italy-037_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>and Karl and Chris.</p> <p>We were all quite proud of ourselves.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3xZiHfH-XYc/T95LIBirv_I/AAAAAAAAArk/KCiOPi5MdpU/s1600-h/Italy-0394.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 039" border="0" alt="Italy 039" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Dk8Qqr9jtt0/T95LIwPk9nI/AAAAAAAAArs/QIDEjGFKy4o/Italy-039_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="281" /></a></p> <p>We dropped down the other side slightly to a Cafe where Jemima “inhaled” a plate of spaghetti, there is no other word to describe how quickly she cleared her plate.  We were still cold and tired and the weather looked like it was closing on the mountains to the north, so rather than do the Gavia as well, we set of back over the top and down to Grosio.</p> <p>This was a fast switchback descent, lots of gravel in the corners, but great fun.  I raced some Dutch guys down, but after one too many hairy corners let the faster one go.  The views on the way down were stunning.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qZWyKKUyh8g/T95LKASH4VI/AAAAAAAAAr0/YRy_chxIOyk/s1600-h/Italy-0434.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 043" border="0" alt="Italy 043" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJiHOtOYCaDtw87EqdTAQb94JlThqypqVlS-Cx0qleyi7CDu1OyJlmkWEcUHeGYNw3RDMhyphenhyphenm7S_s3VSlIqrSjh_i90LSdfzhPtZDeXKcrB5FlkzHYbAsOw9Cj0hUGpWtmDozJC7thatk/?imgmax=800" width="389" height="299" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0AZBUnD2saE/T95LN1MJ1qI/AAAAAAAAAsE/2S9rkuje-a4/s1600-h/Italy-0764.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 076" border="0" alt="Italy 076" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6ifMeUG251VcZtYytYcWmAY6RFsu8-FA4aNrpPVvgf1Ac7P7kt-doSMkIm8TWWJ4l1rf_nJ9mFmeDRnzTp07g26o4YvEaWvN_anUFXF3GHWg9IHghOlODjQC46f0fwhX79ovqq1IoHQ/?imgmax=800" width="395" height="304" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X-2TXqcBDWY/T95LSAL7jEI/AAAAAAAAAsU/LrOY3X784WM/s1600-h/Italy-0774.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 077" border="0" alt="Italy 077" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UKrFcH7UPj0/T95LTjGNA5I/AAAAAAAAAsc/RKDIXrdkUdE/Italy-077_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="388" /></a></p> <p>After a long drag back up from the valley to Bormio, we arrived back at the hotel weary but satisfied.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-95nOkf4BF9Q/T95LWHeRqDI/AAAAAAAAAsk/LWwkvjBkD6Y/s1600-h/Italy-0014.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 001" border="0" alt="Italy 001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tnYmvQVv2Cg/T95LXoPnWJI/AAAAAAAAAss/zLNNhWyembo/Italy-001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" height="282" /></a></p> <p>54 miles</p> Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-41796657905541612152012-06-14T22:42:00.001+01:002012-06-14T22:42:48.268+01:00Italy Day 3–Spa<p>Bormio is the site of a natural hot spring and has three spa/baths.  The weather today was truly awful so we headed for the Bagni Nuovi.</p> <p>It was brilliant.  The first level contained several saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools and hydrotherapy pools.  Then there was the grotto area that had a number of interesting treatments, like a pair of elliptical pools that you walked through, one containing warm water, one cold.  Its supposed to be good for your circulation and certainly made our tired legs feel better.  There was also a big outdoor area with mud baths, hot tubs, more saunas, a swimming pool and much more.  My particular favourite was a eucalyptus shower followed by a sauna in a converted summer house, though the windows of which you could watch restarts and other birds.</p> <p>We managed to spend 6 or 7 hours there.</p> Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-79540104348839365912012-06-14T22:31:00.001+01:002012-06-14T22:31:18.936+01:00Italy Day 2–Gavia<p>The forecast wasn’t great but  it turned very warm and sunny as we got ready.  At the last minute i swapped my rain jacket for my gillet, but did thankfully shove the jacket in my saddlebag.</p> <p>The ride today was a straight out and back to the top of the Gavia.  Pretty much climbing for 25K from Bormio via Santa Caterina to the top of the Gavia and back down.  From Bormio to Sanata Caterina was about 13K an 600m of climbing.  I passed a guy on an old 5 speed carrying a bag on his back and a large carrier bag slung on the handlebars.  As we approached one of the steeper sections, this guy shot back past me.  Should I chase or let him go?  I chose to let him go, the humiliation of being overtaken would have been compounded exponentially if I failed to catch him.  This became the “Tim Diamond Challenge” whereby old people on unsuitable bikes would be pitted against me in races.  Very funny Karl, ha ha!</p> <p>When we arrived in Santa Caterina the weather on the mountain tops had started to change, but didn’t look too bad.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ne1lWTRE9t4/T9pXOnmYXbI/AAAAAAAAAnI/EbN23LdKJ4U/s1600-h/Italy-0064.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 006" border="0" alt="Italy 006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5S5o0aGV3d-xyvh_QrylIR9HJcLDFmgjfFgPFWTPIObFwyesnkSTaVfG-f8_6WNrd18-l8WZrvyTyzhuQOX4QW37LpaH8FgPuFd6dps7iFpDLFSOOcaN4OBE9rxRc5lisU_bFTfxpWo/?imgmax=800" width="405" height="311" /></a></p> <p>We set off up the remaining 13K and 800m of climbing.  Although I set off first, I was quickly overhauled by the stronger guys on the first few hairpins.  I settled into a steady tempo, 6-8 mph on the flatter bits, 4-5 on the steeper.</p> <p>As I got higher, it started to rain.  Karl,Ian, Chris and Graham were waiting at about the 12mile mark.  I shouted to them that there was still 3 miles to go, Karl shouted back “and 500m climbing”.  I carried on, Ian shouted that he’d come and join me so I eased for a bit, but he never materialized.  The rain turned to sleet as we cleared the tree line.  I debated stopping to put on my rain jacket but figured I was warm enough and already wet.  I’d press on.  Then it started snowing.  The road pitched up even steeper for a bit.  </p> <p>Eventually the Refuge came into view and I could get some warmth.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TXa7amPyYlE/T9pXW9cmTgI/AAAAAAAAAnY/1CDBTBX5c7k/s1600-h/Italy%252520007%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 007" border="0" alt="Italy 007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-49AgZs9BEWk/T9pXYXhSvII/AAAAAAAAAng/amw4uSvfLjc/Italy%252520007_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="297" /></a> </p> <p>Ian and Chris showed up soon after, equally wet and cold.  Then the others trickled in.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Xu9mUBQHH_8/T9pXfjX21DI/AAAAAAAAAno/clJygHdjbAk/s1600-h/Italy%252520008%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 008" border="0" alt="Italy 008" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E3d5j4N_2V8/T9pXhu5q2XI/AAAAAAAAAnw/YBfpM9iu_44/Italy%252520008_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="290" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7eNzmONMATwmDYPQ_uDa30KeoWb7rGwalYbgMknNQ5xve4QDRsT3ldeU5oRk8twIG8Xu9YMiluQ8_VNqjYpAdHS7fvY2pCQ3z4zR49ZIPghEcG00GAUNnyctxAcwPHt15e1m4Fcxpgk/s1600-h/Italy%252520010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 010" border="0" alt="Italy 010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIatRNLwoDEU3NWof_elvNEjonKc4v0y7Os-eO-ld70Mcald1p6uiOihgPIQiWsvrGdUnGoTeC4MrDVyGeZvCwC-pMR-40u_iUbjvEx9WpWLEPfstJHb0zUoGbkHhdr8-fYsxouUG2YE/?imgmax=800" width="224" height="302" /></a></p> <p>There was a family at the refuge with two small children.   The father had told them that maybe with the snow, Santa would arrive.  Sure enough, he did!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AJnxpnMBM-0/T9pXvjYo6GI/AAAAAAAAAoI/wT4w8KKc82A/s1600-h/Italy%252520009%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 009" border="0" alt="Italy 009" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QV4onfbN2fM/T9pXxmO3zqI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/hI_nYJIQ94A/Italy%252520009_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="362" height="278" /></a></p> <p>We waited til the snow cleared before setting off on the 15 mile, 45mph down hill back to Bormio.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WbNyUCdqCo8soaxcPbv7_F6BYOdw10ewPyT4R8oEJ9D5UnpJkJuYvx99ODQOsDOdILJiLs4Ksa2z-jrVMYX1HjZHDmTiq8ZLwVt5FWuDgozAsdQb0jXueh-eJU_t2xeJk4T7_c3015A/s1600-h/Italy%252520011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 011" border="0" alt="Italy 011" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HWxb5t_KnQE/T9pX5YmkO3I/AAAAAAAAAog/_OEc_11JYis/Italy%252520011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="278" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ud56NzDnPqY/T9pYGCJS0SI/AAAAAAAAAoo/XUgIacQJC44/s1600-h/Italy%252520027%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 027" border="0" alt="Italy 027" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1FUneit2gJA/T9pYI0w8mxI/AAAAAAAAAow/tZ7hQhTvPk8/Italy%252520027_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="281" /></a></p> <p>Another short day, only 31/5 miles, but another Giro pass ticked off.</p> Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-25909223689425863262012-06-11T08:48:00.001+01:002012-06-11T08:48:13.299+01:00Italy Day 1<p>Karl, Alison, Ian and I flew out to northern Italy on Saturday.  The flight out was fairly uneventful, Ian was actually ready to go Saturday morning when I came to pick him up.  We flew to Bergamo airport, arriving to a hot and sweaty Italy with 4 bike bags and luggage.  We eventually got hire cars sorted, shuttle bus to car hire place and bikes stashed by 7 o’clock local time and were ready for the three hour plus drive north to the Alps.  Karl had a sat nav, so we planned to follow him.  Unfortunately it was playing up and we had a few interesting moments through the Bergamo suburbs in rush hour before getting on to the right road for Bormio.  It was a beautiful road in places, but soon got dark and we couldn’t really see Lake Como or the Alps as we approached.  Eventually we got to Bormio at about half ten and met up with Graham, Jemima and Chris.  The <a href="http://www.genzianella.com/">Hotel Genzianella</a> is an <a href="http://www.italybikehotels.it/en/">Italy Bike Hotel</a>, catering very well for cyclists of all types and is thoroughly recommended.</p> <p>Bormio is at the foot of the Stelvio and close to any number of the great Giro climbs.  The plan was to build up over the week to the Stelvio, hopefully from the northern 49 hairpin side.  The weather forecast for the week is not good, rain, heavy showers, thunder storms.  Temps are near those at home – 12 – 18 degrees.  We’ll see where we get to.</p> <p>Day one was planned as an easy break in day.  It was tipping it down when we got up, so we had a leisurely breakfast and set about un-bagging and preparing the bikes.  It was still tipping down when we’d finished and we decided to take an hour’s rain check.  By half ten, it had eased a bit and we set out in light drizzle to do the Torre di Fraele.  This is a 22 mile loop up to a ruined fort at which point the road turns to gravel.  There are 18 hairpins on the climb which takes you from 1215m at Bormio up to 1885m at the castle.  Beyond there, the dirt road rises up further to Lago di Cancano and Lago di San Giacomo.  The rain eased as we started climbing.  I’d plotted a route for Karl’s GPS using <a href="bikehike.co.uk">bikehike</a> but the Google maps weren’t as accurate as they could be and we took a few wrong turns.  Eventually we started climbing.  Graham asked if this was the start of the hairpins.  I pointed ahead and said no!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LmsmP9jeGZ4/T9WiSAMemII/AAAAAAAAAl0/_3XcteZe83E/s1600-h/Italy%252520004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 004" border="0" alt="Italy 004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0CDoWGxcuOUbfIWLvbXQD__r8CtNwcLDH3vCA7AQlGNra68bSS4SidaHRPhFGb4CllHRrgUPXIVYx1zJU1XAQibIIbpV3A-0aeLPhAgB6uLHS2jGtwvqgsV8Lo8nrZeYsum1YXvFUUI/?imgmax=800" width="379" height="292" /></a></p> <p>The climb was ok, the hairpins were about 500m apart and the slopes not too bad.  It was bitter at the top and combined with the soaking from earlier, we all got quite cold.  There was a sign on the dirt road saying there were several cafes further up so we headed on.  The first was closed, as was the second.  Karl headed up to a third, which was open.  We had a traditional pasta, potato and cabbage concoction with cheese sauce.  It was delicious and just what we needed, together with the thickest, chocolatiest hot chocolate I’ve ever had.  Too soon we back out into the now watery sunshine.  The views of the surrounding peaks were spectacular.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IPGSZ1KzFLc/T9WiZ3Ze53I/AAAAAAAAAmE/_msaTXuk4dg/s1600-h/Italy%252520006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 006" border="0" alt="Italy 006" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YhR9yuhOrhk/T9Wibd-z9CI/AAAAAAAAAmM/RBPiWol5jnY/Italy%252520006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="288" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFm2e7R2hxUPb4GtjWyZ1zrprX2wLVZzRzqGS9_3KXWDIsqbBo4LUkJ-cY-xVu0KLHxBM8dHdbLAQHA-ySZOtfoiQFZtm9jfjhNu_Oqbb5KFLpLx-vEzxpEhOvPqTkmnPYXmS5wno7Yi4/s1600-h/Italy%252520007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 007" border="0" alt="Italy 007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygECqjUcUDiQtQ2F2CIkXQFWkl18u3mOZWD9UU1_13-c5D4tyI4AKeB7xfZnmhEuNAH0PsMVJkKWUQriU2e4dzzGoS9pGDceHGJz-e21uLoW9NbENIKjyAJCR4LAwR21H1075wuq2xOQ/?imgmax=800" width="372" height="286" /></a></p> <p>We were soon down into the valley and the relative warmth.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nVZaZzyfQRU/T9Wim0AS1qI/AAAAAAAAAmk/CZbhJd8J4-U/s1600-h/Italy%252520014%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 014" border="0" alt="Italy 014" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B4eOFnsS4cw/T9WioHJGjYI/AAAAAAAAAms/MxtJYznx7OY/Italy%252520014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kXv-mmv9_w8/T9WitlqJmXI/AAAAAAAAAm0/CbqBH4SOBYE/s1600-h/Italy%252520017%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Italy 017" border="0" alt="Italy 017" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHxAk26Rttprzc3CjbUKcb44TfT58ifbjf2AhsNcVUtCAZnXkdGMYf9JS1AvkBCf6Sjq3EN93L10wG_2qiXkdncVd1-HC1x6RyP-Tol_ahVicUnQwo8mxl6YbUbwUiTQMnVb2XHbcd9A/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Not a long day, 22 1/2 miles, but rewarding considering the weather.  </p> <p>Evening meal:</p> <p>Tuna & bean salad</p> <p>Green and white tagliatelli and duck sauce</p> <p>Fish soup</p> <p>Panacota</p> Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-58499805096543989372012-05-07T20:25:00.001+01:002012-05-07T20:25:06.263+01:00Isle of Man 2012<p>This weekend was our third May Bank weekend Isle of Man cycling trip.  As per previous years the plan was to ride up to the Heysham ferry on Friday, ride the island Saturday and Sunday and ferry/ride home Monday.</p> <p>Due to some ferry issues, we were on a faster boat (2 hrs rather than 4) but at an earlier time.  We had top be at the ferry for 11:30, which meant leaving at 7:30.  We got most of the gear laid out on Wednesday and Jayne did most of the packing Thursday before heading out to her bowling club.  I finished off the packing and prepare a meal for my sister and Mum who were coming to house sit for the weekend.</p> <p>Friday’s weather forecast wasn’t great but it dawned pretty clear and dry.  We headed out expecting Karl and Alison to catch us by the Cartford bridge.  This year’s group was quite different from previous years.  With the regulars of me, Jayne, Karl, Alison and Ian were Mark (Birdy) and first timer Pete.  Only 7 this year.</p> <p>No sight of Karl and Alison by Cartford and we pressed on.  As we passed Condor Green, Karl texted saying they were at Cartford.  This was repeated for the rest of the morning, but they never caught up.  Jayne and I arrived at the ferry terminal in plenty of time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iD_A-ACt9DI/T6ggDIO9szI/AAAAAAAAAhs/yM1_bdEuKYU/s1600-h/IoM%252520001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IoM 001" border="0" alt="IoM 001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UASZUWozFV4/T6ggFmquLuI/AAAAAAAAAh0/zEkmcnwvL-U/IoM%252520001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="294" /></a></p> <p>We were a bit worried about the others arriving as check-in closed at 11:30 and they still hadn’t arrived.  Jayne asked if she could check them in but no, they had to be there.  Eventually Alison, Birdy and Pete arrived, Ian had a puncture about 2 miles away.  Fortunately the boat was late due and took a lot longer to unload due to it not usually going to Heysham where they didn’t have the gear to unload foot passengers properly.  Eventually we were on and despite the hour delay, we were in Douglas much earlier than usual.  Karl and Alison were cooking that night.  There was some discussion about starter aesthetics.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZkYmBjUkoRc/T6ggHP3hutI/AAAAAAAAAh8/JywJl2mW00k/s1600-h/IoM%252520006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IoM 006" border="0" alt="IoM 006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpar-7j9wDDeLLsNb0HMfsb2Is5k390lQgS9sI-NbtAEYPBDPciQ7jDG-LNZmM7EGTfy9XC33bk9UUXZ_4g5XfLihHv7_CIvdP5NlYG2kwkuXUmhcLkRcqJWMuFXvymSQAYDysqQLfo4/?imgmax=800" width="199" height="154" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq4RdPFIcHCVwcX2_bX8EFrnGKXOIMRNKnDWv4aXNYqE5f9isX1dREPU29fV-PN9P6i974yNyD1J8n9WiCcg1B0lbNtbLnLv4yrAjbDfsSJZWSMVznFkLL1omlPkaZRMpYLOKsOqRUDE/s1600-h/IoM%252520007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IoM 007" border="0" alt="IoM 007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FyCU_yhsO30/T6ggMfOc5_I/AAAAAAAAAiU/a3DrnVoxgIM/IoM%252520007_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="154" /></a></p> <p>Saturday was forecast to be sunny but cold.  On the day it was very sunny and warm if you could keep out of the bitter northern wind.  A guy on the ferry had recommended a ride that was hard but very pretty.  It included a 1 in 4 section but took in a very pretty set of valleys. We decided to give it a go.  It got off to a bad start as we had to turn around at the start of the first hill because we had left our stare tube and tools behind.  Eventually we got onto the climb.  The road was lined with wild primroses.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bo32eAv2Y-o/T6ggVho8mGI/AAAAAAAAAic/J7NJxVjuV1E/s1600-h/IoM%252520008%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IoM 008" border="0" alt="IoM 008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1993nEQ_utg0xIhb4gJZsa5vJJW73Hhzym8I1X6iLExx15vfhN9rE5XS35oaNPbizjgux-sPYQJ5Y0mimnQ0FBJplnd63gW4Xq67aQ6zZwoMhfT-tokxkO45a8uvJ0E6SF_NllbRP6xc/?imgmax=800" width="388" height="298" /></a></p> <p>It was incredibly steep and exposed.  Guess which way the prevailing winds blow!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Yjz8tJLrvos/T6gg5LbFOjI/AAAAAAAAAis/aqsULkOQDno/s1600-h/IoM%252520013%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IoM 013" border="0" alt="IoM 013" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4qFP3dp03lg/T6gg6o3B3pI/AAAAAAAAAi0/ScPa-OMQ_Z8/IoM%252520013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="315" /></a></p> <p>Down the other side was exhilarating and a bit scary because of the wind.  At the bottom Pete found he had a puncture probably due to hitting the cattle grid at 40+ mph.</p> <p>After another short climb we drop down towards Kirk Michael.  You can see Scotland and Ireland while only moving your head slightly.</p> <p>Scotland</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BH2DWFRnK2o/T6gg8EFr_-I/AAAAAAAAAi8/DnJvuM1Twl0/s1600-h/IoM%252520019%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IoM 019" border="0" alt="IoM 019" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8qEMkZibPgQ/T6gg-ULYlVI/AAAAAAAAAjE/uPqOy_LoOr8/IoM%252520019_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="325" /></a></p> <p>And Ireland (honest!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-InTU2lXgqCQ/T6ghACYqJcI/AAAAAAAAAjM/7HVze1L0ods/s1600-h/IoM%252520020%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IoM 020" border="0" alt="IoM 020" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_H8B31J_jytIVqqpY67A3G-tG4mmjX-duSJw5s9m4sxFeSDX0Xj6eR7gzUYcL8z1kwyuO3aP0hs_XTlFXXiNIxQ52lE0YMIVjO3UnM8dHhT2kVK_lsIs4q8X_0uglpi4FrCZNU65xjrA/?imgmax=800" width="416" height="324" /></a></p> <p>The road didn’t pan out as expected.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IlFfPIE9hho/T6ghGEmheII/AAAAAAAAAjc/ROrAcusfKK0/s1600-h/IoM%252520024%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IoM 024" border="0" alt="IoM 024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oZywK6S3Xae2pHoTGbM2hgYkQhGdb1fDloQqJLWGIbEm8-eviHNyRTsRO2riENVJ6O6nE1YoHK9XxHgbhMD4JqxTv-fOyyRh5JLgAQiVhJBjnB2W2Trdmlw2agV5pptjkiWcKWJ9D6U/?imgmax=800" width="411" height="316" /></a></p> <p>Eventually we mad it to Peel, where we saw a seal.  The ride back took us past the Tynwald, the Manx parliament and possibly the oldest continuous government in the world.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T0ZGWy4Zgzw/T6ghI51KxII/AAAAAAAAAjs/hgf7eaiZBTc/s1600-h/IoM%252520030%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IoM 030" border="0" alt="IoM 030" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xyN_AnIcXrA/T6ghLeCAHUI/AAAAAAAAAj0/FYmWJXLv3Ho/IoM%252520030_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="493" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QTDtO5nFNgI/T6ghNuKLX8I/AAAAAAAAAj8/l9wl-HfKMvc/s1600-h/IoM%252520031%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IoM 031" border="0" alt="IoM 031" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nAc7sfMM_M8/T6ghOhhLbsI/AAAAAAAAAkE/QuvKsDeFrMY/IoM%252520031_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="281" /></a></p> <p>We decided to avoid the ford, going via the foot bridge.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jHLUcytoTAU/T6ghRLgkpYI/AAAAAAAAAkM/Pg6QyT8RGhA/s1600-h/IoM%252520028%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IoM 028" border="0" alt="IoM 028" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7sE4fwVJEJ4Y2169ndtKvJPXf5pzipSGKsOvCPqaiCdcjTJz2HO5Nnaoyo3HsPZyq_RgeDis-wrnypsY4sbj9EnPCck67si-fUIXecBOfrRNYeZcICwP2IT1F7q2dMtCH3oaJtP2WUU/?imgmax=800" width="370" height="285" /></a></p> <p>We were once again diverted by the closed road junior bike racing and eventually made it home after 45 miles and several thousand feet of climbing.  It was our turn to cook and we did Tarragon Chicken which went down very well.</p> <p>For Sunday the main group decided they would ride out to the Calf of Man and maybe risk getting the train back.  Jayne and I were worried about getting the tandem on the train and didn’t fancy the 4000ft of climbing in 40 miles that the full route would require.  Instead we headed once more to Laxey, this time armed with out English Heritage membership cards to get free entry.  The weather was fine as the guys set off after some last minute maintenance.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8eP_5BjyFgo/T6ghVc3jz6I/AAAAAAAAAkc/O_nkdOEDmTA/s1600-h/IoM%252520001%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IoM 001" border="0" alt="IoM 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyQH6oMIxbxmHoK9LB4_L71Ngk7s1nECBZdj6CQwPiAWwnawJbtfeRNMbXDrIW0azb0AO9AA6WqzHNQz3u3GRq3D10XGyk3NSBEYxFF-cBRDm8GWMAnpgmDZ4gs2qv7EO9fGnqjB3Hjg/?imgmax=800" width="388" height="298" /></a></p> <p>Jayne and I set out in full sunshine in the opposite direction for Laxey.  Soon it became apparent that the Laxey weather wasn’t going to be good.  We got ourselves in to the Laxey Wheel grounds but there wasn't much cover from the hail.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uA2nDjgkLs8/T6ghX7f_z8I/AAAAAAAAAks/ZrtRM_elXso/s1600-h/IoM%252520004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IoM 004" border="0" alt="IoM 004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXw_Zx2qgyz8COtLW6PWDiNRo7A6XJPHfBsqeebHZOor_CsQJkau98u0saKTYeiwtjx5bDrFrR3_RmU16Q0-xLWIVkIKcoU-1evbtDVJZm5fhhTzK9NE0YGY_zOxYzo_2Gd2WgzpVfd0/?imgmax=800" width="387" height="298" /></a></p> <p>The site is fascinating, and includes a huge moving rail viaduct that moves a mine pump that is 100+ yards from the wheel.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QPlyu8LRM50/T6ghbDSWpxI/AAAAAAAAAk8/NhTqz5wQnzc/s1600-h/IoM%252520010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IoM 010" border="0" alt="IoM 010" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jd2oErAhMks/T6ghcglutVI/AAAAAAAAAlE/YEHAU2W4M4M/IoM%252520010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="298" /></a></p> <p>Eventually the weather improved and we got back in the same bright sunshine the others had enjoyed all day.  The guys cooked stuffed mushrooms, roast lamb and chocolate sponge pudding, delicious.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SEQ8iWkr164/T6gheB8drHI/AAAAAAAAAlM/rYS9h_TiEc8/s1600-h/IoM%252520003%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IoM 003" border="0" alt="IoM 003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8f3A0fjgdlQ/T6ghfBZggtI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/lO0r4C7e-4s/IoM%252520003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="299" /></a></p> <p>The weather forecast for Monday was horrendous.  We packed on Sunday night expecting the worst in the morning.  It was actually not too bad, quite windy, overcast but not actually raining.  After breakfast and tidying up, we headed in ones and twos down to the ferry.  The crossing was uneventful apart from occasional trips to the deck to experience the howling wind, we were worried about the final 35 miles home.  My sister texted just as we came into dock saying that the weather had deteriorated and the forecast was so bad that they were going to head home rather than wait for us.  It didn’t bode well, but apart from the very strong winds, the rain stayed off for most of the way home.  We had one problem where the road past the Golden Ball pub was flooded by the high tide.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F2sA1neMAHM/T6ghg_67sQI/AAAAAAAAAlc/0RJfiQfivrs/s1600-h/IoM%252520009%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IoM 009" border="0" alt="IoM 009" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-akKyyNXSMmE/T6ghj-ChK-I/AAAAAAAAAlk/6bKqHPjsn0s/IoM%252520009_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="295" /></a></p> <p>This is not unusual, put we’ve managed to avoid it in previous years.  Eventually, we got home, tired but pleased with our weekend’s riding.</p> <p>As I sit here writing it up, the rain is tipping down so we were pretty lucky with the weather, apart from the hail!</p> <p>Over the weekend we did 144 miles on the tandem, some very hilly, I’ll try to post elevation charts in the week.  In addition to the 55 miles commuting, not a bad week at all.</p> <p>Cheers</p> <p>Tim</p> Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-55206512091820774192012-04-28T20:03:00.000+01:002012-04-28T20:03:20.262+01:00Wheels for sale27" x 1 1/4" wheels<br />
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I have acquired a load of 27 x 11/4 rims and wheels. They look like new rims on old hubs. All seem to have been stored either outside or somewhere damp and most have some rust on the eyelets. There is some surface corrosion on the aluminium of the bare hubs and rims. Not identified all the hubs yet but there are:<br />
Pair Mavic MA40 36h rims £15<br />
Pair Mavic MA2 36h rims £15<br />
Pair Mavic Mod4 36h rims£15<br />
Pair Weinmann concave 36h £15<br />
<br />
Pair Rigida AL320 on small flange hub with Rigida 5 sp block, rear hub stamped Hague £35<br />
Pair MA2 on what I think are high flange Campag track hubs £45<br />
Weinmann concave rim on large flange front hub £20<br />
Weinman concave rim on large flange front hub, different from above £20<br />
Pair Mavic rims, no markings rear is on large Suzue, front on large Lambert £35<br />
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all plus postage at whatever the Post Office will charge. Or will swap for stuff, I'm looking for a 700c wheelset and a 26" wheelset or pos just rims<br />
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<br />Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-92184831386641495162012-04-22T18:11:00.001+01:002012-04-22T18:11:20.548+01:00Scrapped By<p>Just managed to reach my target miles – 117.</p> <p>Monday Jayne and I had a day off.  We struggled to get going but got out in the afternoon.  We rode out to Great Eccleston for a tea cake and coffee, passing the geo-survey machines that are surveying for the fracking company that hope to drill in the area.  We went home via a convoluted route to avoid Cop school kicking out and ended up going past three other schools instead.</p> <p>Tuesday to Thursday I was in Bristol, but took my bike down.  Wednesday night I rode out to Clifton Downs for a short spin.  It was phenomenally hilly but good ride.</p> <p>Saturday we rode the tandem to the Apple Store via the hilly route.  We met up with Ian, Mark and Ross, who’d set out from Lytham and eventually with Joe, Karl and Alison who had gone round the Trough and where knackered.  After soup, sandwich, tea cake and lots of tea, we all decided to head back the way Jayne and I had come.  We were much the slowest, especially on the hills, but set a fast pace whenever the road turned down hill.</p> <p>Early start this morning for the Ribby Tri.  I was marshal again.  Usually I man the level crossing, but Karl had bagged that job, so I was general dogs body.  First task was to jog round the run course with bollards on my shoulder laying out the turn points.  Then go round again with mile markers.  Then go round again with paint to mark the turns, which were washing away in the rain.  I set off to do the last bit on my bike, when I noticed a flat tyre.  I was supposed to ride round the bike course, making sure the marshals were in place and had bibs.  Instead I got Liam, who was there on behalf of St John’s Ambulance, to run me home where I got my car and drove the course.  After that I didn’t really have anything to do, but somehow ended up at the finish with the timekeeper, logging people’s finish time.  The weather in the morning was atrocious, some people out on the bike course hit by a hail shower, but lots of rain everywhere.  By about half way it cleared up and was quite sunny.  It was good to go and help out.</p> <p>Cheers</p> <p>Tim</p> Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8255269721657789072.post-9188146473461522112012-04-15T20:25:00.001+01:002012-04-15T20:25:09.870+01:00Contrast<p>Its been a busy few weeks.  I was in Paris Sunday/Monday of Easter week, then got a bit of riding in Easter weekend, but really did very little as we were both knackered.  This week again has been mixed but finally I’ve finally got some decent miles in.  Thursday night Jayne was bowling so I did a little extra loop out to the pub.  </p> <p>Yesterday we headed out on the tandem to Cafe de Lune.  This is the first leg of the ride out to the ferry for the Isle of Man at Heysham.  We wanted to time ourselves as the ferry times have changed.  Karl and Alison met us there and we rode back together.  It was very hard work, there is a cold northerly wind blowing and little to shelter you out on the marshes.  Here’s our elevation stats for a 42 mile ride we did 700+ feet of climbing.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpwQbmz13eMbgGuc1VTTY0ZLxtQeiaTNDVfNLLcYKlMCay4Z9nNpJYyo1Zl0czkUux3Nv5DBfu8zqE7Xyxsxi1YQ5jgqNndVb9lUy4mhLS2bhLhPV5_ClGiUpDmQlhTXn5_mqIQgq3OY/s1600-h/Cafe%252520de%252520Lune%25255B1%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cafe de Lune" border="0" alt="Cafe de Lune" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kWUWzRxTKIk/T4sggoX1zTI/AAAAAAAAAe4/3icyj-u7Th0/Cafe%252520de%252520Lune_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="353" height="337" /></a></p> <p>Today Karl, Alison and I drove out to Abbeystead to do a loop through Caton, Wray, Slaidburn and the Trough.  Slight difference to yesterday, BikeHike was predicting 4500ft of climbing in 42 miles.  It wasn’t wrong, it was a very hard day.  I am completely knackered.  My speed up Boundary Hill dropped to 2mph.  It was a glorious day though.  The weather started sunny but with the cold northerly wind blowing it was bitter over the hills.   The weather turned over the Tatham Fells and we rode through some hail and it looked threatening all the way through Slaidburn and on to the Trough.  It held though and we rode back into Abbeystead in the sunshine, cold, tired and hungry.  Karl’s Garmin said 4610ft of climbing!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WxZfRthCUZU/T4sgjc1s3VI/AAAAAAAAAfA/jO3weosK53k/s1600-h/Tatham%252520Fells%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Tatham Fells" border="0" alt="Tatham Fells" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pNwUvseJz2U/T4sgktoGxTI/AAAAAAAAAfI/ogP_leb1QgU/Tatham%252520Fells_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="325" /></a></p> <p>150 miles for this week, getting better.</p> <p>Cheers</p> <p>Tim</p> Tim Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.com0